In 1992, an important change occurred in the Trappist beer industry. The agreement that had previously allowed the St. Bernardus brewery to use the “Authentic Trappist Beer” label on their products expired. This decision was made by the Trappist breweries themselves, who decided to restrict the use of the label exclusively to beers that were brewed within an actual abbey.
This change had a significant impact on the St. Bernardus brewery, as they were no longer able to market their beers as Trappist beers. In order to continue selling their products, they had to rebrand and market them under the St. Bernardus name.
It is important to note that the decision to restrict the Trappist label was made by the Trappist breweries themselves. They wanted to ensure that the label was only used for beers that were brewed in accordance with the Trappist brewing traditions, which involve brewing within the walls of a Trappist abbey.
So, to answer the question, St. Bernardus beers are not considered Trappist beers. While the St. Bernardus brewery has a rich history and tradition of brewing high-quality beers, they do not meet the criteria set by the Trappist breweries for being labeled as Trappist beers.
However, it is worth mentioning that St. Bernardus beers are still highly regarded and respected in the beer community. They are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to producing top-quality brews. Despite not being labeled as Trappist beers, they have a loyal following of beer enthusiasts who appreciate their unique flavors and brewing techniques.
In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and appreciate St. Bernardus beers. While they may not carry the Trappist label, they certainly live up to the reputation of being exceptional beers. The St. Bernardus Abt 12, for example, is a Belgian quadrupel that is rich, complex, and full-bodied. Its flavors of dark fruits, caramel, and spice make it a truly enjoyable beer to savor.
St. Bernardus beers are not considered Trappist beers, as they do not meet the criteria set by the Trappist breweries for using the “Authentic Trappist Beer” label. However, they are still highly regarded and appreciated in the beer community for their craftsmanship and exceptional quality.